The quality of Southern Nevada’s water is important to the future of our community. Unlike water discharged from point sources such as industries or sewage treatment facilities, stormwater pollution is caused by everyday activities in our community. In the Las Vegas Valley, rainwater that falls onto streets, driveways, lawns, etc., is channeled into the storm drain and flows untreated to the Las Vegas Wash and Lake Mead. As this water moves across the Valley into the Wash, it carries with it pollutants from our cars, our lawn fertilizers, our pets, and many of our other activities.

The Stormwater Quality Management Committee (SQMC) is made up of Clark County, City of Las Vegas, City of Henderson, City of North Las Vegas, and the Regional Flood Control District. Together, these entities work to manage stormwater pollution in the Valley through the administration of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. A NPDES permit renewal occurred in March 2010 and requires that the SQMC produce a Stormwater Management Plan to manage the program. Please visit the SQMC website for more information on the permit and plan.